Library Services and Incarceration: Recognizing Barriers, Strengthening Access

This book provides librarians and those studying to enter the profession with tools to grapple with their own implication within systems of policing and incarceration,melding critical theory with real-world examples to demonstrate how to effectively serve people impacted by incarceration.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2021
Publisher: American Library Association

This comprehensive book is a valuable resource for librarians and individuals aspiring to enter the field, providing them with essential tools to address their role within systems of policing and incarceration. By seamlessly merging critical theory with real-world examples, it offers practical insights on how to effectively serve individuals impacted by incarceration. Recognizing the profound consequences of mass incarceration on diverse communities, including Black, Indigenous, people of color; LGBTQ individuals; and those living in poverty, the library profession must confront its implications head-on.

In her role as the lead author of this important contribution to the discourse, Jeanie Austin, a librarian with San Francisco Public Library's Jail and Reentry Services program, takes the helm. This text offers a wealth of practical information on services available in public, academic, and juvenile detention centers, jails, and prisons, while contextualizing these services for LIS classrooms and interdisciplinary scholars. It passionately advocates for reimagining the intersections between librarianship and carceral systems, presenting alternative possibilities for a more equitable and inclusive society.

The book begins with an overview of the convergence of library and information science and carceral systems within the United States, summarizing historical narratives of information access and control, such as book bans, and the ongoing efforts of incarcerated individuals and community members to secure greater access to materials. It then delves into the diverse range of carceral institutions and their forms, encompassing juvenile detention, jails, immigration detention centers, adult prisons, and forms of electronic monitoring.

Drawing from a wealth of research and firsthand experiences, the book provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by those navigating carceral systems. It sheds light on the experiences of librarians working within these institutions, highlighting the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and sensitivity in providing services to incarcerated populations.

Moreover, the book offers valuable insights into the role of libraries in promoting social justice and equity. It explores how libraries can be agents of change, working to dismantle systemic barriers and promote access to information and resources for marginalized communities. It also discusses the importance of librarianship in addressing the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, racism, and discrimination, and advocating for policies that promote rehabilitation and reentry.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for librarians, library professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between libraries, policing, and incarceration. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the issues at hand, providing valuable tools and strategies for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by these systems. By embracing critical thinking and collaboration, the library profession can play a vital role in promoting social justice, equity, and access to information for all.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780838949450